(Screengrab/FOX 13)
A Seminole Gulf Railway train carrying propane derailed near a Florida airport on Tuesday, prompting a major clean-up, officials said.
Emergency crews from Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue were called to reports of a train derailment in Manatee County, just a few miles away from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, county officials said in a statement.
At least five railcars and two propane tankers derailed at the site, they said.
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No injuries were reported, and officials said there appeared to be “no leakage at this time.”
One tanker, a 30,000-gallon liquid propane car, was on its side, while the other car was “off the track, but upright,” Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue Chief Robert Bounds said late Tuesday.
While he noted no apparent leaks, he said officials continued to monitor the situation with gas detection equipment. He said the “mitigation process” could take five to seven days.
It was not immediately clear what caused the derailment.
Manatee County Emergency Medical Services and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office personnel, and county public safety workers were deployed to the derailment scene.
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It said clearing the tracks would likely “take some time” as the propane would have to be removed from the tankers before moving them.
“We are proud of our first responders,” Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge said in a statement. “Their quick action has helped maintain the safety and security of our citizens.”
Crews will continue to monitor the situation as clean-up efforts begin.
Senator Marco Rubio tweeted, “Yesterday, a train carrying propane derailed in Manatee County, Florida. Local & state officials inform us that fortunately no leak has been detected & it poses no hazards to residents.”
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